Tome des Beauges Fermière – Maison Paccard

From the forested hills of Bauges, this Tome des Bauges Fermière is a raw cow’s milk wheel with a grevé, stone-washed rind—rough, dusty, and flecked with natural blue-grey molds. Maison Paccard’s affinage respects its slow, humble rusticity: no polishing, no rushing. The paste is dense, dry, and slightly crumbly, releasing earthy, mushroom-laced aromas that speak of damp cellars and mountain nights.

Under Paccard’s patient hand, the farmhouse firmness softens into a melted, chestnut-sweet length. Hints of toasted hay, raw cream, and wild garlic emerge, yet the texture stays untamed and granular—a signature of fermière craftsmanship. This Tome never pretends to be elegant; it is honest, rustic, and lived-in, like an old wooden chalet. The rind is edible, bold, and wonderfully musty.

Pair with cured meats and a sturdy Savoie red. The affinage by Maison Paccard does not mask the cheese’s rough soul but instead reveals its depth. Each bite is a slow, earthy story of alpine pastures, handmade curds, and generations of quiet expertise.